on knew that Lewis and Clark would need items to offer the Indians to make their diplomatic approach successful. They went on a $696.00 shopping spree in preparation for the expedition. Not only were the gifts symbols of peace, and trade, but also representations of what the United States had to offer. Some of the items that were purchased were guns, blankets, pots vermilion face paint, blue grass beads as well as 33 pounds of assorted color beads, bright colored cloth, scissors, and red handled knives. Additionally, some other items they brought were 12 dozens of pocket mirrors, 130 rolls of tobacco, 100 cheap rings with glass stones, 4,600 sewing needles, 10 pounds of thread, and 2,400 fishing hooks. Departure was May 14th, 1804. They would not return until 8,000 miles later, on September 23rd, 1806.
It is unknown what this legendary woman looked like, or even the correct spelling of her name. Sacagawea, the mysterious Native American, played a key
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